THE JAPAN TIMES FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016 5Special Economic Reports

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Sharing life’s energy: Hawaii continues to attract Japanese visitors

The place to be in Hawaii epitomizes Hawaiian dream

Natural Hawaiian artesian water — straight from the source

Helping Japanese investors feel at home in Hawaii

Hawaiian luxury real estate developments attract investor interest

Hawaii is first port of call for Japanese investment in the U.S.

Located between downtown Ho-nolulu and Ala Moana — near Waikiki Beach and the Pacific

Ocean — Ward Village, a development of The Howard Hughes Corporation, is today’s preeminent destination in Ha-waii. Offering an unrivaled location, first-class amenities and a variety of world-renowned and local retailers (in-cluding Nobu, the world’s most-famous Japanese restaurant group), Ward Vil-lage is the place to be in Hawaii.

“Ward Village is an opportunity for us to create a unique place that isn’t being duplicated anywhere else in Ha-waii,” said Bill Pisetsky, The Howard Hughes Corporation’s senior vice presi-dent for residential sales and marketing in Hawaii. “Our iconic 60-acre com-munity overlooking the Pacific Ocean is designed to enrich the lives of those who will live and work in Ward Vil-lage.”

Designed by award-winning archi-tects, the five towers — Ke Kilohana, Gateway, Waiea, Aeo and Anaha — in various stages of development each have a distinct design symbolizing the beauty of Hawaii.

“Waiea” (meaning “water of life” in Hawaiian) has a unique glass facade and will be the first to be completed.

“The design of this distinctive building represents the curvature of a wave, and each panel is designed to be unique,” said Pisetsky. “Waiea residents will be moving in this November, and this will mark a huge milestone for us and for

Hawaii.” The second quarter of 2017 will see

new homeowners move in to “Anaha” (“reflection of light”). The building’s design evokes the light reflecting off the Pacific Ocean waves.

“We have already sold over 1,100 homes, and our record-setting sales numbers are testament to the quality, lifestyle and value of Ward Village,” said Pisetsky.

A significant number of homes have been sold to Japanese buyers, who con-tinue their love affair with Hawaii. “Ja-pan is our largest foreign market,” said Pisetsky. “We are so appreciative of the interest Japanese buyers have shown to Ward Village. We have worked hard to provide superior quality and highly desired amenities in our homes. We will continue to provide the excellent service and experience that is expected by those who choose to make Ward Vil-lage a part of their lives.”

Ward Village’s office in Tokyo is committed to working closely with potential home buyers and sharing the Hawaiian dream.

“Whether for a vacation home or a full-time residence, we understand the importance of fulfilling our homebuy-er’s dreams,” said Pisetsky. “We deliv-er the highest level of quality service: from our first conversation to moving-in day and beyond, we take care of our homebuyers and provide a truly great experience.” www.wardvillage.com

Surrounded by 26 million sq. ki-lometers of ocean, Hawaii is the most isolated landmass on earth.

And yet, the islands’ topography — and unique ecosystem, resulting in an abun-dance of rainfall — create the perfect environment for natural artesian water.

“Hawaiian Springs” water is drawn from deep earth aquifers, filtered through 4,000 meters of ancient lava rock, laden with minerals and electrolytes. Produc-ing water as soft and sweet as the “Ōhiʻa lehua” blossom — the legendary source of Hawaiian rainfall on volcanic moun-tains, and depicted on every Hawaiian Springs bottle.

“Hawaiian Springs water is the only natural artesian water in the State of Ha-waii,” said Al Kam, president of Hawai-ian Springs. “At the International Wa-ter Expo held in Guangzhou in China, earlier this year, Hawaiian Springs was awarded the Gold Award from the Fine Water Society for ‘Best Tasting Water.’”

It has a natural alkaline level of pH 7.7 — the ideal balance for the human body. Sourced from underground, and untouched by any surface contamination, the water is free of heavy metals, chemi-cals and excessive mineral content.

These days, Hawaiian Springs likes to highlight its premium position in the Japanese market by sharing its unique and natural source of water with Japa-

nese consumers.“We sell only two things: the authen-

ticity of our product and the opportunity to enjoy an affinity with Hawaii,” said Kam. “The people of Japan have a pas-sion for Hawaii and Hawaiian Springs hopes to earn a place in their hearts.”

The company has its own local subsid-iary in Japan, and a partnership with the leading logistics provider, UPS Yamato Express and a 5,200 sq. meter warehouse in Tokyo. Hawaiian Springs is the offi-cial water of the Hawaiian Tourism Au-

thority in Japan and Major League Base-ball’s Los Angeles Dodgers. Its current water reserves are enough to supply the entire demand of the global bottled water industry two times over.

Looking ahead, Kam concluded, “Beyond the Japanese market, Hawai-ian Springs aims to revitalize Hawaiian manufacturing and export a uniquely Hawaiian product to markets around the world.” www.hawaiianspringswater.com www.hawaiianspringswater.jp

Hawaii’s culture, climate and centuries-old Japanese influences have created a

truly aspirational destination for Japanese property investors.

Real estate investments — espe-cially second homes — call for full-service agents and property manag-ers who understand the importance of establishing a trust-based rela-tionship with Japanese investors. In Hawaii, Myland Hawaii Realty understands this better than most.

Owned by Aska Group, Myland Hawaii Realty has been providing Japanese investors with superior real estate and property manage-ment services for almost a decade. As a Japanese firm, the company understands its clients from Japan, and is able to offer exceptional knowledge of the local real estate market.

“We are proud that the majority of our customers are Japanese in-vestors,” said Sal Miwa, co-CEO and president of Aska Estate Ha-waii Inc./Myland Hawaii Realty.

“Japanese investors are continu-ing to look at opportunities in Ha-waii, and we are firmly committed to providing our Japanese clients with the best real estate solutions,” he said.

The company provides 24-hour services to owners and tenants through highly trained managers

who have extensive experience in property management and mainte-nance. “We take care of our clients’ cars and boats, as well as home re-lated issues such as utilities, plumb-ing and electrics,” said Miwa.

Myland’s partnerships with ma-jor Japanese financial and real es-tate companies have enabled the company to position itself as the first point of contact in Hawaii for investors from Japan as they begin their property searches.

“We are one of the largest real-tors specialized in dealing with Japanese clients in Hawaii and are

dedicated to serving our Japanese investors,” said Miwa. “Our lo-cal connections in Hawaii and our corporate network in Japan have al-lowed us to become a leader in the industry.”

Miwa, who is also the chair-man of the Japan-America Society of Hawaii, concluded: “Honolulu is one of the most stable property markets in the world. It will con-tinue to attract Japanese investors who want to experience ‘paradise’ on one of the most beautiful islands in the world.” www.mylandhawaii.com

Established in 1967, the Honolulu-based firm Yamaguchi & Yamaguchi provides professional real estate advice to investors

from Asian and Pacific Rim countries. Its Presi-dent, Jon Yamaguchi, is a member of the Coun-selors of Real Estate — headquartered in Chi-cago. He was recently appointed as Pacific Rim Ambassador and Chief Delegate to the Pan-Pa-cific Congress of Appraisers, Valuers and Coun-selors Conference, which will be held in Kyoto from Sept. 26 to 29. Yamaguchi met with WER:

Why invest in Hawaii?Historical data indicates that real estate in Ha-

waii is still a good investment. Its location in the middle of the Pacific Ocean on a separate tec-tonic plate minimizes the risk of earthquakes, and northeasterly trade winds ensure a consis-tent year-round temperature of between 24 and 29 degrees Celsius.

Known as the “Melting Pot of the Pacific,” Hawaii is ethnically diverse. It attracts leisure visitors, as well as new businesses that appreci-ate its time zone, which is conducive to busi-ness communication between North America and Asia.

What commercial developments are currently taking place in Honolulu?

Numerous luxury condominium projects have been developed in Honolulu. However, in order to create value, sustainability and growth, luxury projects also need to provide exclusivity, superi-or location, safety, exceptional design and qual-ity, good views, concierge service, recreational facilities, nearby shopping, restaurants and sup-port services.

Which notable projects are gaining attention in Honolulu?

The Howard Hughes Ward Villages mixed-use project is currently in development on 25 hect-ares of prime land and the Kobayashi Group’s Park Lane Project near the Ala Moana Shopping Center are attracting substantial interest. These luxury projects are conveniently situated be-tween Waikiki Beach and downtown Honolulu and will strengthen both companies’ reputations as long-term real estate developers. www.yamaguchiinc.com

There are countless holiday des-tinations around the world of-fering sun, sea and sand. While

Hawaii has an abundance of all three spread over 2,400 km, the islands of-fer so much more to the 1.5 million Japanese tourists who visit the chain of Pacific islands every year.

“The main reason Japanese visitors are so in love with Hawaii is that both cultures have so many similarities,” said Eric Takahata, managing director of Hawaii Tourism Japan. “Hawai-ian culture is very similar to Japan’s and has been woven into our common DNA over the last century.”

Japanese visitors love Hawaii for more than just its iconic offerings of sunshine, shopping, Waikiki Beach, wildlife excursions, volcanoes on the Big Island, surfing, shrimp trucks and Maui. Many visitors cite the islands’ “Aloha” spirit (the joyful “oha” shar-ing “alo” of life energy “ha” in the present “alo”) as the one factor that keeps them coming back to feel the welcoming vibes in the United States’ 50th state.

“In Hawaii we promote our unique-ness,” said Takahata. “The ‘Aloha’ spirit of the Hawaiian people sepa-rates us from other similarly branded vacation destinations. Beaches can be found around the world: our draw is our people. Japanese tourists are our largest international market and 60 percent are repeat visitors who have traveled here three or more times.”

Recognized as sophisticated tour-

ists, Japanese visitors contributed over $2 billion to the state last year. “When they visit, they experience Ha-waii with each of their five senses,” Takahata explained. “Whether it’s a luau show that offers a full dining and entertainment experience, a road trip to the North Shore or snorkeling in Hanuama Bay, Hawaii is well-placed to cater to Japanese guests.”

Hawaii Tourism Japan is a sponsor of The Honolulu Biennial — a mul-tisite visual arts festival and citywide celebration to be held next year from March 8 to May 8. Engaging with the rich cultural diversity of Hawaii, local and international talents will be exhib-ited with 30-35 different participating

artists working across all mediums.“Our message is that Hawaii truly

loves Japan and the ‘Aloha’ spirit is always open to Japanese visitors,” Takahata concluded .

www.gohawaii.jp

This year marks 65 years since the signing of the San Francisco Peace Treaty (Treaty of Peace with Ja-

pan) which re-established diplomatic relations between Japan and the U.S. af-ter World War II. Today, the U.S.-Japan relationship is based on mutual respect, democratic principles and trade.

America’s 50th state, Hawaii, is locat-ed in the Pacific Ocean between Japan and the U.S. — a symbolic link between both countries. The state has enjoyed strong links with Japan since the late 1800’s, when it was known as the King-dom of Hawaii.

In 1885, the first official immigrants from Japan (the “Issei”) arrived in Ha-waii to work as contract plantation laborers. Descended from these first generation immigrants, today’s fourth and fifth-generation ethnic Japanese are proud Hawaiians as well. Many hold leading positions in Hawaii’s public and private sectors.

“Ethnic Japanese make up 14 percent of the population, and they continue to play an important role in Hawaiian soci-ety,” said Yasushi Misawa, Consul Gen-eral of Japan in Hawaii.

Notable Japanese-Americans include the current governor of the Hawaii, Da-vid Ige, as well as the late U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye. Inouye served with the 442nd Infantry Regiment in WWII, and was the highest-ranking Asian-Ameri-can politician in U.S. history.

Integration and partnership have en-abled trade to flourish between Hawaii and Japan, and the state today is a desir-able location for Japanese investors.

Hawaii’s capital, Honolulu, is ranked 10th among the 102 largest U.S. met-

ropolitan areas in national economic rankings, and is the fourth-busiest in-ternational port of entry into the U.S. Meanwhile, Hawaii ranks as one of the 10 most entrepreneurial states in the country, with a per capita income 2.5 percent higher than the national average.

“In addition to Japanese real estate and property investments, in recent years we have also seen Japanese food-related organizations — from retail to restaurants — using Hawaii as a base for research before foraying into the U.S. mainland,” said Wayne T. Ishihara, pres-ident of the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce. “Hawaii is in the middle of the sea between the U.S. mainland and Japan, so this scenario makes per-fect sense.”

In 2015, exports to Japan from Ha-

waii accounted for 4.2 percent of total U.S. exports, while imports from Japan accounted for 5.8 percent of total U.S. imports. In addition, Japan remains one of Hawaii’s major export partners, with Japanese investments and affiliates ac-counting for fully 48 percent of the 26,200 jobs created by foreign-owned affiliates.

“Japan is the fourth-largest market for the U.S. as far as exports are concerned, but it is ranked number one for Hawaii,” said John Holman, director for the Pacif-ic at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

The Japan-American Society of Ha-waii (JASH), which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year and has over 1,200 members, promotes understanding and friendship between the people of Japan and the U.S.

“Our mission is to ensure a future friendly relationship between the U.S. and Japan by educating children from kindergarten through to Ph.D. studies when they are adults,” said Sal Miwa, chairman of JASH.

With 50 programs a year, includ-ing student exchanges and leadership programs, the Washington-based U.S.-Japan Council is dedicated to strength-ening ties between the two countries. Hawaii is the largest region for the coun-cil, denoting the importance of Hawaii in the context of U.S.-Japan discussions. Its chairman is Hawaii-based Dennis Teranishi, an “Order of Culture” (bunka-kunsho) awardee and the president and CEO of the Pacific International Center for High Technology Research.

While Japanese businesspeople con-tinue to invest in Hawaiian real estate and establish small businesses, Japan

has also become Hawaii’s most impor-tant international tourist demograph-ic. It is important to recognize how strong the two countries’ relationship is today, especially as 2016 marks the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

“I would like to reiterate the impor-tance of understanding our countries’ pasts so we can create a better tomor-row,” said Misawa. “Today we are in-novating and working together in renew-able energy, high-tech and solar projects, and I hope our partnership remains strong. The people of Hawaii have an affinity with Japan. Through our sister city initiatives and student exchange programs, we will bequeath this strong relationship to future generations.”

— ERIC TAKAHATAManaging Director

Hawaii Tourism Japan

The main reason Japanese visitors are so in love with Hawaii is that both

cultures have somany similarities.”

Waiea — with its sweeping, unparalleled glass facade and spacious view-oriented interiors, this 36-floor tower represents a level of architectural sophistication never before available in Hawaii.

Jon F. Yamaguchi, President and CEO of Yamaguchi & Yamaguchi

Sal Miwa, Co-CEO and President of Aska Estate Hawaii Inc./Myland Hawaii Realty

Yasushi Misawa, Consul General of Japan in Hawaii

Wayne T. Ishihara, President of the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce

Ka Wai Ola (The water of life) is drawn from deep earth aquifers, filtered through 4,000 meters of ancient lava rock, laden with minerals and electrolytes producing water as soft and sweet as the “Ohi'a lehua” blossom.

W A I E A P O O L

WARNING: THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF REAL ESTATE HAS NOT INSPECTED, EXAMINED OR QUALIFIED THIS OFFERING.

This is not intended to be an offer to sell nor a solicitation of offers to buy real estate in the Ward Village development to residents of Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania   or South Carolina, or to residents of any other jurisdiction where prohibited by law. No offering can be made to residents of New York until an offering plan is filed with the Department of Law of the State of New York.  Ward Village is a proposed planned master development in Honolulu, Hawaii that does not yet exist. Exclusive Project Broker Ward Village Properties,

LLC. Copyright 2015.  Equal Housing Opportunity.

WardVillage.com/JapanTimes or +1.855.814.7832

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